Today’s topic is to discuss the desired character of a Christian as opposed to that of a non-believer. This is all about our good deeds and good words, towards all those people we meet in our Christian life.

It is all about defining our own way of life. In the book of Matthew 5:13, the Bible says “you are the salt of the earth. But if the salt shall have lost its flavour, where shall it be salted? It is therefore good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodded under foot of men.”

The uselessness of a believer is being of no value before the Lord God Almighty Jehovah Jireh, giver of life. Naturally, anything that is of no value to the owner, is most likely to find itself in the dustbin. Believers become worthless to the Creator, when they become too much of the world.

Believers in the Lord God Almighty should not blend with everyone else. Instead we should affect others positively with Christian values. This is how we become salt of the earth, with flavour. This is when we are able to please our Lord Father God Almighty, the Most High.

A similar teaching from our Lord Christ Jesus from the book of Matthews 5:14, which says; “You are the light of the world-like a city on the hill top that cannot be hidden.

No one lights a lamp and then put it under a basket. Instead a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house”. The purpose of being salt of the earth and the light on the hilltop is the same: to serve our Lord God Almighty, in every good manner, and in every way possible or as may be directed by the Holy Spirit, at the same time, upholding to the Christian values and character.

Our good deeds, coupled with our ideal Christian character, should inspire other followers of Christ to emulate our deeds. This is what will please our Lord, Father God Almighty. If we truly love God, then we must do His will. Then we shall be salt of the earth. By our action, many more people will join the flock of Christ Jesus, in praising and worshipping Him the only God. His name shall be glorified and this is what pleases God.

Believers must be able to point out when wrong doing is observed, and at the same time give praise where this is due. The light must promote peace, love and unity among not only believers, but the entire citizenry. This is to be salt of the earth, and it pleases God.

Zambia and the entire world should benefit from the tree that bears good fruit. (Matthew 7:16). It is by the way we act, that we shall be known. A good tree shall bring forth good fruit (Matthew 7:17).

There is joy in knowing Christ Jesus and believers should make this fact as a public announcement, on the hill top, for all to hear.

Then we shall be salt of the earth, with flavour. We should preach Jesus Christ and bring out truth to all and continue with the effort to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Believers with flavour should continue to preach deliverance that comes with knowing Christ Jesus. By the action of the believers, all citizens of the world must be brought to Christianity.

Because Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). And in John 14:12, the Lord Jesus said” “Those who believe in me will do what I do”. And what Jesus did while on earth is indicated in the Book of Matthew 4:23. And to all believers Jesus promised that, whatever believers will ask, they will get (John 14:16). But before then, believers must show love for the son of God, by obeying His commandments. (John 14;15).

As believers, what we cannot afford to ignore is to support the poor. There are those who are enriched with the spirit to support the needy. But all of us are called upon to do our best for those who may require our assistance. We should be eager to support the needy (2nd Corinth 9:9), when we generously give, the Lord God Almighty will generously replenish.

In Romans 15:8-9, the Bibles says: “Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises He made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for His mercies to the …” We live in a diverse community. Some are rich, some are poor, and some strong and some weak. We should therefore learn to accept one another. It is by so doing that we shall please God. Believers should be beacon of truth, peace and love. They should be good example of trustworthiness, ready to allow Jesus Christ to dwell in our hearts, to take control of our deeds and what we say. (Rev 3:20-21).

An individual, who is salt of the earth, should be of good reputation in the presence of God and in the eyes of the community.

From the lips of a believer, must come words of wisdom and behavior that is representative of the will of God.

In doing God’s work, we should be humble at all times, prayerful and thankful in everything. Should be intolerant to other people’s wrong doing, but not to condemn those who fall short of the glory of God, but rather provide wise counsel.

This must be done realizing that we are all made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ and this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

To be the salt of the earth, is to be meek and lowly in heart, which is to be obedient to the commands of the Lord.

In Matthew 5:5, the Bible says: “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” The earth to be inherited, will be free from disease and death. No more mourning. (Rev. 21:1-4). It will be a new heaven and a new earth, we are talking about new Jerusalem.

Where God will reign, there will be peace, security and love. To be meek is to be sober and not violent, to be tolerant, gentle, to have capacity to endure suffering. To be meek is to have capacity to know the will of God, that is to be able to tell when to say yes or no, not only to please ourselves, but also others, it is to do with the wisdom of God.

A meek person is considerate and kind.

A meek person in the Lord Father God Almighty will always remain prayerful and not easily derailed from truth.

It is like feeding on the strength and the majesty of our Lord Father God Almighty, the Most High. To feed on the strength and majesty of our Lord God Almighty is to be salt of the earth, because if we feed on His strength, no one can have the power to separate us from our Lord, Father God Almighty.

The task of fulfilling the commandment of Jesus Christ, to preach, teach, heal, nurture, giving, administering, building and many others, is quite enormous, but which we can succeed by promoting team work, which must be under the discipline of remaining the salt of the earth, and under the guidance of the Spirit of God. (The Holy Spirit).

Believers face so many hurdles in serving God, among them are as follows:-

Lust for women or generally speaking, sexual immorality.

Love of money. It is written “money is the source of all evils”. (1st Timothy 6:10)

Alcohol over indulgence. Some may argue that it is no sin to take alcohol. But for believers, better it is left alone than depend upon moderate taking. (Esther 24:11-12).

What is written in the Book of Esther could be a good reason why, beer drinking is not just right for believers.

As believers we are encouraged to get away from evil (2nd Timothy 2:19).

Going to Church every Sunday or Saturday is not much, but to do the will of God. A Church is like a wealthy house, holding some utensils that are made of gold, silver and some are made of wood and clay. We should be a kind of a believer that the Lord will use for holiest purposes.

No one of us believers should settle for less than God’s highest best. We can only achieve this high standard if we are in fellowship with God, keeping ourselves pure in the works of the Lord, not accused of any wrong doing, which can be a stumbling block and its consequences. We should make an effort to apply ourselves fully as God’s vessels. Then we shall be salt of the earth, with flavour.

We should not fear or be ashamed of preaching and teaching the word of God. For our Lord did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power and love of self discipline.